κατακαλύπτω

I veil, cover the head

Definition

The verb κατακαλύπτω means 'to cover the head' or 'to veil.' It specifically denotes the act of placing a covering over one's head, as opposed to a general covering. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:6-7 to address the practice of women covering their heads during worship or prophecy. The word carries a sense of deliberate, downward covering, emphasizing the action of veiling.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in 1 Corinthians 11:6 and 11:7. Paul employs it in his discussion about head coverings within the Corinthian church, specifically instructing women that if they are not covered (veiled), it is disgraceful. The context is entirely related to worship practices and cultural propriety in the first-century church.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' combined with the verb καλύπτω (kalyptō), meaning 'to cover' or 'to hide.' Thus, κατακαλύπτω intensifies the base meaning to 'cover down' or 'cover over,' specifically referring to veiling the head. It is related to other covering words like ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, G601) 'to uncover' or 'reveal.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on principles of order, gender distinctions, and worship conduct within the early church as taught by Paul. Understanding the Greek emphasizes that the instruction was about a specific cultural practice (head covering) that symbolized authority and propriety in Corinth. It invites readers to consider the underlying principle of doing all things decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40) within their own cultural context.

In first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish culture, a woman's head covering (like a veil) was a common symbol of modesty, marital status, and submission to authority. For a woman to be unveiled in public, especially in a worship setting, could be seen as shameful or indicative of loose morals. Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 11 uses this cultural symbol to address issues of honor and propriety within the Christian community, a context quite different from most modern Western settings.

καλύπτω (kalyptō, G2572) — a more general verb meaning 'to cover' or 'to hide,' not specific to the head. περιβόλαιον (peribolaion, G4018) — a noun meaning 'a covering' or 'cloak,' often referring to garments. ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, G601) — means 'to uncover' or 'reveal,' the opposite action.

Word Details

Scripture References